Hicans: The Hickory-Pecan Hybrid

Hicans represent an intriguing option for agroforestry practitioners seeking to expand nut production into regions where traditional pecans struggle. These naturally occurring hybrids between hickories and pecans combine the cold hardiness and adaptability of hickories with the thinner-shelled nuts more typical of pecans. While less well-known than their parent species, hicans offer unique advantages for … Read more

Shagbark Hickory

There are shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) trees all over our property. They’re beautiful trees—distinctive peeling bark, golden fall color, nuts that squirrels go crazy for. I’ve walked past them many times and thought, “is there a good use for these, since they are so numerous?” So I started a little research. It’s not that shagbark … Read more